International Courier FAQs and Shipping Guide

A lightweight box can still occupy a lot of aircraft space. In that case the carrier may bill the parcel by volumetric weight rather than scale weight. Removing empty space and using a compact carton often makes the quotation more realistic.

No. They are starting or indicative Delhi-origin references taken from current route pages. Final billing is confirmed only after the packed shipment, destination postcode, item category and available carrier are checked in writing.

Some displayed slabs include GST and others show GST separately. The written quotation should clearly state freight, fuel surcharge, GST, pickup, packing and any destination-related charge so you know what is included before booking.

Economy is normally chosen when price matters more than speed. Express is better for urgent documents, time-sensitive samples and compact parcels. The sensible choice depends on the item, delivery deadline, budget and route availability.

Many express routes are estimated at about 3–6 working days, while economy routes may take roughly 7–18 working days. Customs checks, public holidays, remote postcodes, weather and incomplete documents can extend the actual timeline.

Pickup support can be checked for Mumbai, Jaipur, Lucknow, Bangalore, Chennai, Chandigarh and other serviceable locations. Share the exact pickup postcode because availability and any collection charge vary by city and shipment type.

You can get a preliminary estimate, but it may change after packing because box dimensions affect chargeable weight. For a dependable final quote, measure the sealed carton and share length, width, height, actual weight, contents and destination postcode.

The postcode identifies the delivery zone, carrier coverage and whether a remote-area surcharge may apply. Two addresses in the same country can therefore produce different service options or prices.

Not always. Documents, normal parcels, food, medicines, baggage and commercial goods may use different service rules and handling charges. The shipment category must be declared correctly before the final rate is approved.

Weapons, ammunition, explosives, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, corrosive chemicals, radioactive material, counterfeit goods and other dangerous or unlawful items are normally prohibited. Do not conceal or misdescribe any contents.

These products may contain alcohol, aerosols or flammable ingredients and are often restricted in standard air courier networks. Share the exact product and safety information before packing; do not assume personal-use quantities will be accepted.

Some electronics are accepted, but loose lithium batteries, damaged batteries and certain high-capacity batteries may be prohibited or require a special service. The device model, battery type, watt-hour rating and quantity should be checked first.

Some destinations may accept selected dry, shelf-stable homemade foods when they are packed securely and declared clearly. Fresh food, liquids, meat products, seeds and items that can leak or spoil are commonly restricted. An item-level check is essential.

Selected medicines may be accepted with a valid prescription, purchase invoice, original packaging and reasonable quantity. Controlled, narcotic, temperature-sensitive or destination-restricted medicines may not be accepted.

Cash, negotiable instruments, precious metals, high-value jewellery and loose precious stones are generally excluded or heavily restricted by standard courier terms. Use a specialised insured service only after written acceptance.

Plants, seeds, soil and agricultural material are controlled by quarantine and biosecurity rules in many countries. They should not be booked through a normal parcel service without the required permits and written confirmation.

No. Customs needs a specific description such as “three cotton shirts” or “two paperback books.” Broad descriptions can cause questions, delays or rejection. Marking something as a gift also does not automatically remove duty or tax.

Send a clear photo, product name, ingredient or composition details, quantity, declared value and destination country before pickup. Written acceptance is safer than relying on a general list because restrictions change by product and route.

Most personal parcels need sender KYC, receiver details, an item-wise packing list and a pro-forma invoice or value declaration. Some destinations or product categories need additional declarations.

Keep the prescription, pharmacy bill, medicine list, strength, quantity, manufacturer information, sender KYC and receiver details ready. Original retail packaging is strongly preferred, and final acceptance must be checked before pickup.

Prepare a detailed list with item names, quantity, ingredients where relevant, packaging type and declared value. Commercial food may also need invoices, labels, licences or destination-specific permits.

Common documents include passport copy, sender KYC, box-wise packing list, receiver details and a declaration that the goods are personal effects. Visa, ticket, job or study documents may be requested for some routes.

Commercial shipments usually need a commercial invoice, packing list, exporter KYC, IEC and GST details where applicable, HS code, product description, declared value and complete importer or consignee information.

A pro-forma invoice is commonly used to declare personal or non-sale goods for customs value. A commercial invoice records a business sale or commercial transaction and normally includes seller, buyer, quantity, unit value, currency, HS code and terms.

Unless a written quotation says otherwise, duties, import taxes, inspection fees and destination handling are usually payable by the receiver. The final amount is decided by destination customs, not by the courier booking office.

Yes. Customs or the destination carrier may request proof of value, payment evidence, identity documents, product details, prescription, importer information or permits. Fast responses from the sender and receiver help avoid storage and delay.

Use the Global India Express KYC and document pages before booking. Reviewing the checklist early is especially important for medicines, food, commercial goods, baggage and shipments with multiple product types.

Wrap each item separately, protect corners, fill every empty space and keep fragile items away from the carton walls. Use an inner box where practical. A fragile sticker is helpful, but it does not replace proper cushioning.

First confirm that the liquid is accepted. Approved non-hazardous liquids should have leak-proof inner containers, sealed caps, individual bags, absorbent material and a strong outer carton. Many liquids remain restricted for air transport.

Measure the sealed carton at its longest points: length, width and height. Include bulges, handles and protruding areas. International courier volumetric weight is commonly calculated as length × width × height divided by the carrier divisor.

Packing assistance may be available, but it should be requested before pickup. Special wooden packing, palletisation, fragile handling, food packing or oversized-carton work may carry an additional charge.

Yes, especially for multi-box baggage and commercial shipments. A box-wise list makes identification easier during customs review and reduces confusion if cartons are inspected separately.

Use the airway bill or tracking number supplied after booking. Tracking updates appear when the carrier scans the shipment at pickup, transit hubs, customs and delivery stages.

The parcel may be moving between hubs, waiting for customs review, pending documents, affected by a weekend or awaiting a destination scan. Check whether the carrier has raised a clearance request before assuming the parcel is lost.

The destination courier may attempt delivery again, hold the parcel at a facility or contact the receiver. An accurate local phone number, email and full address help prevent return or storage charges.

Keep the final quotation, invoice, packing list, KYC copy, pickup receipt, photographs of the packed carton and the airway bill. These records are useful for tracking, customs questions and any service claim.